Check out these romantic events for the weekend

February 12, 2010

Put some soul into it

Here's a Valentine's Day idea that's both sweet and socially conscious. The Soulfest Ball, happening Sunday night, is a concert and banquet organized to raise money for Haitian relief efforts. It will feature music from some of the area's top soul, jazz and blues acts including Carla Crump, Osmosis, 4IIC, Black White Blues, Brother's Keeper, Brian Pinner and The Unifics, pictured below. A requested donation of $18 will be collected at the door. A buffet dinner and cash bar will be part of the event. Soulfest Ball takes place at the Mercury Entertainment Center, 227 E. Mercury Blvd., in Hampton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Call 449-2204. — Sam McDonald

Be playful

Perfect for singles, friend-seekers and couples, PlayDate Hampton Roads is hosting its Valentine's Day game night Saturday. Geared toward adults 21 and older, guests move around the room playing all of the games of their childhood. Jenga block games, Connect 4, Twister and hula hoop challenges seem to be the most popular, with groups also gathering by a large Nintendo Wii screen.

Tickets cost $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Drinks and appetizers cost extra. Play starts at 8 p.m. and lasts until 2 a.m. at the Chesapeake Marriott, 725 Woodlake Drive, Chesapeake. Call 309-6996 for more information. — Nicole Paitsel

Learn to dance

Kick up your heels at a free Valentine's Day Tango Dance from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday at the Hilton Center, 605 Hilton Blvd., Newport News. Register by today to participate by calling 879-2126 or e-mailing tango.nnva@ gmail.com. — David Nicholson

Renew your commitment

The "To Have and To Hold" affair in Virginia Beach is a perfect fix for the engaged couple in an economic downturn. Sponsored by local wedding vendors, the Valentine's Day event offers a free marriage or vow renewal ceremony to registered couples. Couples must be eligible to be married under Virginia law, but they may invite guests to witness the affair. The noon-time ceremony will be located at Grand Affairs, 2036 Pleasure House Road, Virginia Beach. Registration is required, but can be completed the day of the event. Call 874-1504. — Nicole Paitsel

Snuggle in the dark

Blame it on the time of year, but romance flicks are knocking all other genres out of the running at the box office. The early February release "Dear John," displaced "Avatar" from its No. 1 spot, for example, and "Valentine's Day" — in theaters today — is expected to earn the big bucks, as well. The romantic comedy packs more stars than a Jerry Lewis telethon, including Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo (pictured), Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba, Ashton Kutcher and Kathie Bates among many others. It's rated PG-13, but leave the kids at home anyway. — Nicole Paitsel

Get ready for romance

Monday: Chat with a local sex therapist

Tuesday: We introduce you to a line of romance enhancement products sold through home parties.

Wednesday: Ideas for erotic foods.

Thursday: Ways to spice up your bedroom's atmosphere.

Today: Some romantic outings you can plan for the weekend.

Saturday: Explore how couples yoga can benefit your love life.

Sunday: We wrap up on the big day itself, with heartwarming stories from readers about how they met and with a story about two seniors who found late-blooming love at

a retirement community.

And for those who think Valentine's Day is just a Hallmark holiday, we'll print the results of our "Keep it or Cancel it" online poll in Sunday's Good Life section.